Chapter 36
Chapter 36
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 36
Chapter Title: The Deal and Its Complications
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“Are you saying Mikhail accepted the deal?”
The Director of the NIS, upon receiving the report, asked for confirmation several times.
The Minister of Defense did the same.
The only slight difference was that the Minister seemed more interested in the fact that I possessed millimeter-wave radar technology than in the successful conclusion of the negotiations.
“Does Jaewoo Thales really have the technology to produce a millimeter-wave radar comparable to the Longbow?”
“That’s correct.”
“When on earth did you develop that?”
Let’s see, what year was that developed again?
“I don’t know about anything else, but if you develop a strategic asset like that, you should have at least given the military a heads-up.”
“While we succeeded in laboratory-level tests, we couldn’t announce the development because it had not undergone actual verification. That’s why we’re taking this opportunity to validate it using Russia’s software.”
“Are you saying you’re confident in the hardware’s performance?”
Of course, I was.
When the millimeter-wave radar was developed, I had taken it directly to Israel and requested performance tests from Elta Systems. They were so impressed with the hardware that they proposed a joint development project.
“Absolutely.”
“Good grief, I don’t know where this confidence comes from. In any case, I don’t understand. What could Mikhail possibly be thinking, handing over their core technologies so readily?”
“It’s proof of just how valuable the millimeter-wave radar is. It’s a piece of equipment also known as a mini AWACS, and even the United States is extremely wary of its technology leaking. Why wouldn’t they be greedy for it?”
“So, is it alright to hand over such a core technology?”
To be honest, I had agonized over that part myself.
But I ultimately made the decision because, historically, Russia would eventually develop its own millimeter-wave radar a few years down the line anyway.
In that case, I figured it was better to provide the technology a few years early and get what I could in return.
“It doesn’t matter. It will be a downgraded version anyway.”
Furthermore, I planned to omit some key parts of the technology being transferred.
Essentially, I would only provide them with something on par with what Russia had developed in the original timeline.
“You’re giving them a downgrade? What if Russia makes an issue of it?”
“Even as a downgrade, its detection range and other systemic functions are close to the original. The crucial difference lies in its ability to handle interference, but it’s impossible to discern that difference without a comparative analysis against the Longbow, so you have nothing to worry about.”
“Hmm…”
“The definitive reason you can rest assured is that Russia will likely suspect we’re providing a partially downgraded version. No matter how much I guarantee it’s comparable to the Longbow, they won’t take my word for it completely.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because that’s how they’ve always operated. They hand out downgraded versions all the time. Do you really think they’d assume others wouldn’t do the same?”
“…”
“The reason they agreed to the deal despite this is likely because they see the essence of it. They know that even if it’s a degraded version, it won’t be drastically different from the original.”
“Then is there a need to downgrade it at all?”
“By that logic, the United States would have no need to sell us downgraded weapons. The reality is that while there is a performance difference between an original and a downgrade, it doesn’t create significant operational problems.”
“Heh heh…”
The Minister of Defense let out a dry laugh and shook his head.
Then, as if another thought struck him, his eyes narrowed.
“Wait, couldn’t they also provide us with a downgrade?”
“Even if they do, it doesn’t matter. What I truly need is the flight control system, and that’s something they absolutely cannot tamper with.”
“Why not?”
“Because tampering with it could lead to a major accident. The principle behind downgrading is to avoid touching anything that could cause a critical performance issue.”
“That’s true. Then what’s left is the durability of the components. Do you have a countermeasure for that?”
In truth, component durability is mostly determined by materials and heat treatment technology.
But before my return, South Korea had already achieved dramatic advances in materials science through various joint projects with Germany and Israel, with whom we had grown much closer.
Aside from a few specific parts, there would be virtually no problem.
“Of course.”
“…”
The Minister of Defense gave me a skeptical look.
But his expression soon softened, likely due to Jaewoo’s inscrutable level of technology.
Like the smart artillery shells and new armor-piercing rounds.
The fact that we possessed weapons that even the United States came running to purchase was suppressing any doubts that might arise.
Sure enough, a long sigh escaped his lips.
“Then again, we’re talking about a company with the materials technology to make shock absorbers out of metal…”
Hearing the words "technology," I suddenly remembered something I needed to tell them.
The level of the attack helicopter I was planning.
The fact that it was vastly different from what the military was currently imagining.
“There’s one thing you should know. The radar to be installed on the attack helicopter we’ll be developing won’t be a millimeter-wave radar.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“The truth is, even the Longbow, considered the pinnacle of millimeter-wave radar, is losing its standing as ground forces’ countermeasures continue to evolve. That’s why I’m planning to install an AESA radar instead.”
That was what the U.S. had envisioned before my return.
The intention was not only to achieve an overwhelming improvement in operational capability but also to equip it with partial electronic warfare capabilities.
Was it that startling? Both the Minister of Defense and the Director of the NIS’s jaws dropped.
“Is that possible?”
“It’s more than possible.”
At my firm reply, the Minister of Defense stared into space for a moment.
What was he thinking? He seemed to be mulling something over with narrowed eyes for a good while before suddenly looking back at me.
“I’m sorry, but let’s keep that a secret for now. And if the attack helicopter we build is ever exported in the future, that part will have to be excluded.”
I thought I knew what he was getting at.
He wanted us to secure at least one strategic advantage for the future.
I had already considered that point myself.
“I may be a businessman, but I know how to distinguish between what should be sold and what shouldn’t.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
The Minister of Defense let out a sigh of relief.
Perhaps he felt the conversation was wrapping up.
The Director of the NIS, who had briefly stepped out to take a call, smoothly re-entered the conversation.
“Sorry to interrupt, but I just spoke with the President.”
“…”
“He sends his congratulations on the success of the negotiations.”
“Does that mean…”
“Yes. As promised, the development project for South Korea’s large attack helicopter will go to Jaewoo.”
It was news that should have made me happy.
Yet, a bitter feeling arose because of the budget.
Weapons development projects inherently require massive budgets, and I had no way of knowing when those funds would be secured.
“The problem is the budget…”
As expected, the Director of the NIS immediately got to the heart of the matter.
Just as I was anxiously waiting, fearing negative news, the Minister of Defense suddenly offered a hopeful remark.
“It can probably be reflected in next year’s budget.”
“How? Hasn’t the defense budget for the next fiscal year already been reviewed by the National Assembly?”
“Actually, next year’s budget included funds for a feasibility study for the attack helicopter acquisition program. It’s only a few billion won, but the amount isn’t what’s important.”
He was right.
An attack helicopter development project wasn’t something that could be completed in a year or two anyway.
What mattered was getting the project started; the size of the first year's budget was secondary.
But wait, they conducted a feasibility study for an attack helicopter project in this era?
“But weren’t those funds for a preliminary study to purchase the Apache?”
The Director of the NIS cleared up my confusion.
Still, what I found surprising was that the military’s attempt to purchase the Apache was happening at a different time than I remembered.
It seemed history had been twisted again.
“That was the original plan. But we received a notice of refusal from the United States.”
Right, at least that part followed history.
“So, you’re planning to divert those funds to domestic development?”
“That’s correct. We’ll need to get it re-approved by the National Assembly, but it shouldn’t be too difficult. The members of the National Defense Committee are all from the ruling party right now.”
His words were like a ray of light.
History being twisted was one thing, but if this twist of fate turned into a blessing in disguise, then I had every reason to welcome it.
As I struggled to contain the smile forming on my lips, the Minister of Defense suddenly stared at me intently.
“…”
“By the way, I recently received a report from the Defense Security Command. They said the movements of the Chinese military’s intelligence command and the Japan Self-Defense Forces’ intelligence units have been unusual lately. I have a feeling it might be related to the Hyunmoo ballistic missile development project… Have you noticed any suspicious activity around you?”
“Nothing out of the ordinary. And with NIS agents watching over me—ah, no, protecting me, it wouldn’t have been easy for anyone to approach me anyway.”
Worried about my slip of the tongue, I quickly glanced at the Director of the NIS.
Fortunately, he didn’t seem to mind, his expression remaining calm. The Minister of Defense continued.
“Still, just in case, I think the military should take over security for the research institute from now on. It’s leading a classified military project; the military can’t just pretend it’s not involved.”
This time, the Minister of Defense spoke while subtly gauging the NIS Director’s reaction.
Fortunately, it seemed there was no misunderstanding, as the Director readily nodded in agreement.
“That sounds like a good idea. When it comes to responding to unexpected situations on the ground, the Special Forces or Special Mission Unit members are better suited. We’ll monitor the movements of the Chinese and Japanese intelligence units on the military’s behalf.”
The Minister of Defense showed a hint of relief at those words.
He had made the suggestion, but he must have been worried it might offend the NIS’s pride.
Thankfully, the Director of the NIS wasn’t foolish enough to let his pride get in the way over such a matter.
“What do you think, Senior Managing Director Jin?”
Since tighter security was better for me anyway, I had no reason to object.
When I nodded readily, the Minister of Defense made a call somewhere as if he had been waiting for it.
“Hmm…”
As things unfolded, a sense of reality began to set in.
The Hyunmoo was finally going to see the light of day.
People often called many of our country’s weapons masterpieces, but in my opinion, the true masterpiece was the Hyunmoo-4.
“It seems we can dispatch some members from the Special Forces unit in Munjeong-dong. Well then, with that settled, let’s conclude today’s meeting.”
In truth, the Hyunmoo’s appearance wasn’t early.
Although it was developed in secret, the period when our country developed the Hyunmoo ballistic missile was around this time.
But what I was about to release into the world wasn’t the initial model, but a later one.
Simply put, it was a different version altogether, which, if you thought about it, was as good as being ahead of history.
‘I’ll show them exactly why the Hyunmoo was called a true strategic missile.’
******
“Hyun-seung. There are some guys outside the door who look like they could take down a bull. What’s going on?”
A few days later, as promised by the Minister of Defense, the security detail at the research institute was replaced by Special Forces agents.
Hee-won, who had no military experience, was completely intimidated by their presence and called me in a panic. I explained the situation to reassure him.
“It might be a little uncomfortable, but bear with it. It’s better than having a security breach and the development details leaking out.”
“You think I don’t know that? It’s just that they all look like grim reapers, so you can’t even strike up a conversation. Anyway, didn’t you say you were going to buy up shares? I think now is the perfect time.”
As Hee-won said, the stock market was hitting rock bottom again.
The ripple effects of the ongoing Kosovo War had finally impacted the global economy.
As a result, the recovering economy was once again under a dark cloud, and most stocks continued their downward trend.
“I was just thinking of starting to buy in.”
Jaewoo Thales was not immune to the effects.
After a recent string of gains, its price had nearly doubled, but it was natural for the bubble to burst.
With the added external pressures, it had given back about half of its gains.
“Secretary Kim. Please come to my office for a moment.”
After finishing my call with Hee-won, I immediately summoned Secretary Kim.
She had been organizing a report from Thales and, surprised by my sudden call, rushed in immediately.
“Yes, Senior Managing Director.”
“Sorry to bother you while you’re busy, but I have a favor to ask. Is Daeyoo Securities our group’s primary brokerage firm?”
“That’s correct.”
“Then please contact our representative there and tell them I’ll be purchasing shares soon, so they should prepare for a major shareholder stock acquisition.”
“Understood. I’ll get on it right away.”
Secretary Kim turned to leave with an expression that suggested she had been expecting this.
Did something occur to her? She paused, then turned back to look at me.
“Oh, and CEO Jin Hyun-cheol of Aerospace arrived in the country the day before yesterday.”
“Is that so?”
I replied as if it were nothing special.
Just as Secretary Kim, who seemed to have more to say, hesitated and started to approach me again, both her phone and mine began to ring simultaneously.
“Oh? It’s the Chairman’s office.”
As Secretary Kim spoke, I looked at my own phone.
The call I was receiving was also from Chairman Jin.
A sense of foreboding crept over me as I answered. From the other end, Chairman Jin’s low, heavy voice came through.
“You need to come to the headquarters right now.”
“Did something happen?”
“It’s about the Motor Sich acquisition. I think it’s going to be a problem.”
“…”